Aeonium 'Zeus' is a stunning, variegated Asian hybrid selected in 2022. It is very similar to and often confused with Aeonium 'Poseidon', which has flatter rosettes with broader, more rounded leaves.
Taxonomy of Aeonium 'Zeus'
Scientific Name
Aeonium 'Zeus'
Synonym(s)
Aeonium 'Zuse'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Aeonieae
Genus: Aeonium
Etymology
The generic name "Aeonium" (pronounced "ee-OH-nee-um") means "long-lasting" and refers to the enduring, perennial nature of the plants in this genus.
The cultivar epithet 'Zeus' refers to the sky and thunder god in ancient Greek religion, who ruled as king of the gods on Mount Olympus. It was chosen to reflect the plant's significant growth potential and colossal stature.
Origin of Aeonium 'Zeus'
Aeonium 'Zeus' is an Asian hybrid thought to be a sibling of Aeonium 'Poseidon', Aeonium 'Princess Poseidon', and Aeonium 'Green Rose'. These hybrids were selected in 2022 from the same batch of Aeonium undulatum hybrid seedlings.
Description of Aeonium 'Zeus'
Aeonium 'Zeus' is a stunning succulent with variegated, spoon-shaped leaves arranged in large rosettes at the end of stout stems. It can grow to 6.6 feet (2 m) tall, often unbranched or basally few-branched. The leaves are dark green with white outer portions and a small amount of pink on the margins. They have soft, pointed tips and slightly ciliate margins.
Flowering has not been observed to date.
How to Grow and Care for Aeonium 'Zeus'
Light: Aeonium 'Zeus' thrives in full sun to partial shade, but in summer, light shade may be necessary, especially during the hotter afternoon hours. When growing indoors, ensure it receives as much bright, indirect light as possible to prevent the plant from becoming leggy and stretched.
Soil: Unlike most succulents, this plant requires a sandy loam or regular potting soil amended with perlite. Avoid placing it in premade soil mixes designed for succulents since it needs more moisture than they typically provide.
Temperature: Aeonium 'Zeus' does not like hot or dry weather, so it may go dormant in the summer. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30°F to 50°F (-1.1°C to 10°C).
Watering: Water the plant thoroughly in spring and fall, allowing the soil to dry before watering again. During the winter, water it more sparingly. Although this plant requires more water than most succulents, too much moisture can lead to root rot. During its summer dormancy, stop watering except in arid conditions.
Fertilizing: To stimulate growth and improve the plant's appearance, apply a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength only during the growing season.
Repotting: If growing Aeonium 'Zeus' in a container, repot it every two to three years during the spring. Choose a container with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Propagation: This plant is easy to propagate by stem cuttings. Take cuttings during the growing season and allow the cut end to dry for several days before planting.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aeonium.
Toxicity of Aeonium 'Zeus'
Aeonium 'Zeus' is considered non-toxic, so it is safe to grow around children and pets.
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Aeonium.
- Explore all plants within the family Crassulaceae.